MORE than 650 people are waiting for an organ transplant in Scotland and the British Medical Association Scotland hope their new campaign will encourage more people to become donors.

DOCTORS are urging people to register as organ donors with a new film campaign.

The British Medical Association (BMA) Scotland drive is part of a wider plan to move to an "opt-out" system where people are presumed to be donors.

The change would mean people would have to register an objection or make their family aware of their opposition to avoid donating.

Launching the film in Edinburgh, Dr Sue Robertson, a renal physician, said: "As long as there are patients waiting for transplants, the BMA believes that a soft opt-out system, as part of the overall package to increase donation, would save more lives. Now is the time for a serious debate about moving to opt-out."

More than 650 people are waiting for a transplant in Scotland, the BMA said.

The film features lung transplant recipient Gill Hollis, from Edinburgh, who said she would not be alive without a donor's generosity.

"But I was one of the lucky ones - I received my transplant in time," she said.

"I've also supported people through the waiting process who did not receive an organ in time, and that's been heartbreaking. So you can see why I feel passionately about initiatives to address the organ shortage.

"An opt-out system should help more people have their lives saved and transformed.

"In the meantime, however, it is vital that people talk to their loved ones about their wishes and discuss openly their views on organ donation so that, if the time comes, they can make a decision which reflects the individual's wishes."

The campaign is backed by Labour MSP Drew Smith, who said: "I believe that a move to an opt-out system would save and improve lives. People are dying unnecessarily due to a chronic shortage of organs, and some people are dying without their wishes to donate their organs being respected.

"I hope this video encourages people to sign up to the organ donor register, and have that conversation about being a donor with their loved ones."